1998 Sociando Mallet Cuvee Jean Gautreau

The 1998 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot picked between September 24 and October 5. It has a perfumed, floral bouquet of crushed rose petals, dark berry fruit and a hint of cola. The slightly chewy palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin. I prefer the tension and clarity of the 1997 compared to this. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.